by Theresa Cavicchio, OFSThe Memorial the Church presents to us on November 21st is not to be confused with the Feast we celebrate on February 2nd, the Presentation of Jesus. The Presentation of Mary at the Temple foreshadows that of the infant Son she would bring there years later with Joseph, her husband.
"St. Timothy Catholic Church held a Ministry Fair and All Saints Festival November 1-2, 2025, in Lady Lake, Florida. The event highlighted Women of Grace, Young Women of Grace, and the Benedicta Institute for Women programs, as well as their “Tea with the Women Saints.” Pictured are facilitators and participants of Women of Grace and Young Women of Grace dressed up as St. Bernadette Soubirous, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, St. Joan of Arc, St. Therese Lisieux, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, and Edith Stein (St. Theresa Benedicata of the Cross). Enthralled with the women saints, one Young Women of Grace participant began researching the life of St. Lucy, Patron Saint of the eyes. Rosario plans to share this young saint’s story at our 'Tea with the Women Saints' in 2026.
I recently viewed the 1928 movie 'The Passion of St. Joan of Arc' as one of our assignments for the Benedicta Institute for Women course ‘Towards a Catholic Understanding of Women.' This movie, coupled with Young Woman of Grace Aurora’s impassioned love for St. Joan of Arc, turned my heart toward this young woman saint. Aurora spent hours learning about this young saint and enthusiastically shared St. Joan’s story with the festival participants. Inspired by both experiences, I keep St. Joan in my heart at daily Mass. When looking at the crucifix above the altar, I see Joan’s face looking up to Jesus on the cross. I pray to St. Joan to intercede for me that our Lord and Savior grace me with a fraction of the faith, trust, and love she has for Jesus."
-Dr. Darlene Drazenovich
"The last nine weeks have been such a privilege and honor getting to know each and everyone of these ladies. The material we have read is not meant to stay locked in our workbooks, it is meant to be brought to life and shared with others. The world needs us to share our stories, to share God’s truth for the good of others. We need to speak boldly, love fiercely and listen deeply. We have witnessed countless miracles during our time together in this blessed study and look forward to what is to come. Thank you for being a part of this transformative experience." - Annie M (Lead Facilitator)
"Thank you for coming to educate us about the faith and best of all to live it faithfully. I really enjoyed your Saturday program and it continues to transform me... You are on fire with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. How beautiful indeed." -Emily
At St. Mary's Church in Panama (a Vincentian community since 1912 in the former Canal Zone), we now have both the English-speaking Community and the Spanish-speaking Community. Our priests are fully bilingual and have been with the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul throughout the years.
A recent caller on our Wacky Wednesday radio show asked whether it’s safe for Catholics to eat halal food. The best answer we can give is – it all depends.
St. Francis and St. Clareby Theresa Cavicchio, OFS
The October 4th feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi (1182 – 1226 A.D.) offers an opportunity to reflect on some of those who supported him in his ministry. While numerous male followers flocked to join Francis’ Friars Minor, here we will consider some of the holy women who played significant roles in his story.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to explain to my children the meaning of the gospel reading for the day, Matthew 18:21. The gospel was the one where Peter asks the Lord how many times should we forgive our brother? 7 times? And the Lord responds, ‘not 7 times, 77 times.’ He continues to tell Peter and the disciples the story of the servant who begs his master to have pity on him when he is unable to pay his large debt.
In the past two weeks, legal moves by the abortion lobby are revealing the industry’s desperation to hang on to Medicaid funding that was stripped from abortion facilities in the One Big Beautiful Bill, but how successful will their efforts be?
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